At 43, 'genes genius' Dr Sanjeev Galande heads a research centre and is the recipient of a national award

Unravelling the mysteries of life

At 43, 'genes genius' Dr Sanjeev Galande heads a research centre and is the recipient of a national award

His appearance belies the archetype image of a scientist. No Einstein-like hair, no pre-occupied eyes with a blank stare and no frowning knitted-eyebrows.

Dr Sanjeev Galande, head of the centre of excellence in Epigenetics (CoEE) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and recently the winner of Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award, smiles and says, "I am just 43."

Born and brought up in the city, Galande studied the role of MAR-binding proteins in tumorigenesis in the US. "My parents always supported my decision of making research my career," said Galande.

Dr Galande was awarded the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award for his work in the area of Biological Sciences. He has found a link or a path in the signalling process of genes into a nucleus. Right from his boyhood days, this fashionable scientist was bemused by the way organs are fitted in a human body. "I always carried the attitude ufffd how and why this?"

Not only biology but also the configuration of mechanical (and electronic) machines interested him. "I want my students to have the same attitude," the doctor said. "My students come from different corners of the country and we enjoy the diversity. Apart from work and research we also hang out together."

The walls in his cabin are decorated with classy pictures - from his own camera - of beautiful scenery.

It is difficult to believe that this same man has untiredly engaged himself in unknotting the secrets of blueprint of life. "Photography is my hobby, I develop and print the picture myself and this is the way I relax."

Funds and support from the government have improved the position of scientists unlike earlier when they had to fight against all odds and criticism.

On his future projects, Dr. Galande said: "For now we are desperately trying to decode the mystery of genes. It is something we would definitely like to find."